River water analysis using a multiparametric approach: Portuguese river as a case study.

River water analysis using a multiparametric approach: Portuguese river as a case study. J Water Health. 2018 Dec;16(6):991-1006 Authors: Barbosa-Vasconcelos A, Mendes Â, Martins F, Lopes E, Machado A, Bordalo AA, Vaz-Pires P, Vieira N, Martins da Costa P, Bessa LJ Abstract The Ave River in northern Portugal has a history of riverbanks and water quality degradation. The river water quality was assessed by physicochemical, biological (macroinvertebrates) and microbiological (Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli) parameters in six locations (A-F, point A being the nearest to the source) throughout its course during a year. Epilithic biofilms were studied through polymerase chain reaction denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing helped with selecting isolates (n = 149 E. coli and n = 86 enterococci) for further genetic characterization. Pursuant to physicochemical and macroinvertebrates-based parameters, the river water was of reasonable quality according to European legislation (Directive 2000/60/EC). However, the microbiological analysis showed increased fecal contamination downstream from point C. At point D, four carbapenem-resistant E. coli isolates were recovered. Paradoxically, point D was classified as a point of 'Good Water Quality' according to macroinvertebrates results. Point F presented the highest contamination level and incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates in t...
Source: Journal of Water and Health - Category: Environmental Health Tags: J Water Health Source Type: research